John Richard Gabe was born in Jewell, KS, to John Arb and Margaret M. Gabe September 2, 1929. He was raised in Topeka, graduated Topeka High School in 1947. He went to work for Atchison-Topeka-Santa-Fe as a clerk, attended night classes at Brooks Business School. He joined the U.S. Air Force, active 1 year, 6 years in reserves. He returned to ATSF, working in Topeka, Chicago, New York City, then OKC, where he resided for 56 years until his death.
He worked almost 40 years in the traffic department (freight sales rep.). He was a National Accounts Representative (then BNSF) when he took early retirement to pursue his love of travel with Sue = by plane, train, car, boat, bus and 29 years in their motor home. He had 3 sons and a daughter with his first wife. Following their divorce, he met and married soul-mate, Sue, in 1976. Survived by wife, Sue; sons James (Alona); Ronald (Cindy); and John S. “Jack” (Atoma); sisters, Virginia Ann Horton and Karen Kay Gabe; and numerous grandchildren, step-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his daughter, Elizabeth Erin Pirri; brother Vernon D. Gabe; sister Margaret Kathleen in infancy; and the mother of his children Margaret A. Gabe.
John was a club joiner: Young Men’s Club-Past President and honorary life member; other dance clubs: Regency, Revelers & Mayfair. Past President Oklahoma City Transportation Club, Sundowners, Sooner Dinner Club, Men’s Dinner Club, Allied Food Club, NARVRE, and many more. He was a Christian, member of the United Methodist Church, a Republican, a Mason and Shriner, and OU Football fan attending home games for many years; also Lyric, Pops concerts and Jewel Box.
A Celebration of Life will be held when permitted at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, 2717 West Hefner Rd. Family graveside service will take place at Rose Hill Burial Park. In lieu of flowers, those wishing, donations may be made to OK Medical Research Foundation, 825 NE 13, OKC 73104.
